WallStSmart

Ares Management LP (ARES)vsBlackRock Inc (BLK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

BlackRock Inc generates 356% more annual revenue ($27.30B vs $5.99B). BLK leads profitability with a 24.1% profit margin vs 10.6%. BLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.89. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

ARES

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.72

BLK

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.11

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ARES1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.928/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

BLK6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
35.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 35.1%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.6%10/10

Revenue surging 30.6% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$175.42B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.1%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.269/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

PEG RatioValuation
0.898/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

ARES4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Price/BookValuation
11.4x4/10

Trading at 11.4x book value

P/E RatioValuation
56.8x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-384.50M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.722/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ARES

The strongest argument for ARES centers on PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.92 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.1% and operating margin at 35.1%. Revenue growth of 30.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ARES

The primary concerns for ARES are Price/Book, P/E Ratio, Free Cash Flow. A P/E of 56.8x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ARES profiles as a value stock while BLK is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

ARES carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

BLK is growing revenue faster at 30.6% — sustainability is the question.

BLK generates stronger free cash flow (32M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (78/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 24.1% margins and 30.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Ares Management LP

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Ares Management Corporation is an alternative asset manager in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.

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